BCAB #1205 - Combustible DWV Piping in Crawl Space; Articles 9.10.9.26. to 9.10.9.29.,

May 18, 1990

BCAB #1205

Re: Combustible DWV Piping in Crawl Space; Articles 9.10.9.26. to 9.10.9.29.,

Project Description

A two storey wood frame commercial building conforming to Part 9 of Building Code. The building was a dwelling and is being converted to office use.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.10.9.26. does not permit combustible pipe in any part of a drain, waste and vent system where any part of that system penetrates a fire separation with a fire resistance rating.

Appellant's Position

Plastic DWV pipe should be acceptable in the crawl space.

Building Official's Position

Plastic pipe cannot be used in any part of a DWV system where any part of that system penetrates a fire separation unless the penetrations are protected with acceptable through-penetration fire-stop devices ("donuts").

Appeal Board Decision #1205

This decision applies if the exemption in B.C. Reg. 192/87, clause 2. (i) for older buildings in the City of Victoria , is not applicable.

Article 9.10.9.26. of the B.C. Building Code 1985 applies where any part of the piping system penetrates a fire separation required to have a fire resistance rating . The requirements of this Article for noncombustible drain, waste and vent piping would also apply to any part of the system that is located in the crawl space.

George R. Humphrey, Chair